Taiwan News Quick Take

Staff writer, with CNA

Fri, Nov 30, 2012 - Page 5

SEISMOLOGY

Two regions hit by quakes

Two earthquakes measuring magnitude 4 or more hit central and eastern regions yesterday, with no immediate reports of casualties or damage. The first was a magnitude 4 quake that hit central regions at 3:43am, followed by a magnitude 4.8 quake in the east at 11:12am, the Central Weather Bureau said. The two quakes were not related to each other, the bureau said. The first was centered 22.8km east of Chiayi City Hall at a depth of 6km. The strongest intensity of 3 was reported in Jhongpu Township (中埔), Chiayi County. The second, which was centered at sea at a depth of 82.7km, was located 20.6km east of Taitung County Hall. Green Island, offshore of Taitung County, recorded the strongest intensity of 2, the bureau said.

SCIENCE

Pair in science award win

Chang Ching-fong (張清風) and Sylvie Dufour of France received the Taiwan-France Science and Technology Award in Paris on Wednesday for their achievements in marine biology research. The pair have cooperated in the study of marine life physiology and ecology since 1992. They have made many new discoveries regarding the reproductive and endocrine systems of fish and corals. At the award ceremony, Dufour said she was very happy to win the honor and believes it could help promote cooperation between France and Taiwan. Describing her experiences of conducting research in Taiwan as “rich,” Dufour said the experience allowed her to get to know a culture that is different, and yet very close to that of France. Chang, meanwhile, said the award was meaningful because it showed that research cooperation between the two countries is firm and deep. Chang praised French scientists as conscientious, making them perfect partners for cooperation.